Title

Electric Currents Due to Stress-Activated Positive Hole Charge Carriers in Ice

Author Info

Cary T. Keller P.E., Michigan Technological UniversityFollow
Friedemann T. Freund, SETIFollow
Dale P. Cruikshank, NASA Ames Research CenterFollow

Recommended Citation

August 1, 2012.

Abstract

Jupiter’s satellite Europa, whose surface is composed of ice with a possible water ocean beneath, could conceivably serve as an abode for extraterrestrial life. This and other icy celestial bodies may contain organic macromolecular solid material that is produced when surface ices are exposed to ultraviolet radiation and/or electrical energy. Tidal and tectonic stresses or meteorite impacts in icy crusts may produce electrical discharges, which would provide the energy for in-situ synthesis of the organic solids. This electrical energy can be provided by positive hole charge carrier activation. Positive holes exhibit properties such as the ability to flow out of the stressed ice volume, building up electrical potential gradients and forming electrical currents.

In this study, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-doped and plain ice samples were stressed and the resulting electrical current generated was measured using an instrument capable of measuring extremely small currents or voltage levels. Small levels of electricity were observed upon stressing the samples and the results suggest that, on a larger scale during tidal or tectonic activity or meteorite impact, these currents could become substantial.

Disciplines

Civil Engineering | Mineral Physics | Other Physical Sciences and Mathematics | Physical Processes

Mentor

Friedemann T. Freund, PhD

Lab site

SETI Institute

Funding Acknowledgement

This material is based upon work supported by the S.D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation and by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0952013. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the S.D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation or the National Science Foundation. This project has also been made possible with support of the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation. The STAR program is administered by the Cal Poly Center for Excellence in Science and Mathematics Education (CESaME) on behalf of the California State University (CSU).